Game of Thrones is a fantasy series that features many noble houses, each with their own history, culture and secrets. One of the lesser-known families is House Payne, whose most prominent members are Ser Ilyn Payne, the mute executioner of King Joffrey, and Podrick Payne, the loyal squire of Tyrion Lannister and later Brienne of Tarth. But what is the relationship between these two characters, and what is the origin of their house?
The Distant Cousins
According to the books, Podrick Payne is a distant cousin of Ser Ilyn Payne. Podrick’s parents died when he was young, so he was raised by a relative, Ser Cedric Payne, as a squire. Ser Cedric was killed in battle, so Pod was taken up as a squire by the hedge knight Ser Lorimer. When Ser Lorimer was hanged for stealing food from the baggage train, he was recruited by Tyrion Lannister as his squire.
Ser Ilyn Payne, on the other hand, was once a knight of House Tyrell, but he lost his tongue when he made a joke about King Aerys II Targaryen’s madness. He was then appointed as the King’s Justice, the royal executioner, by Aerys as a cruel mockery. He served under Robert Baratheon and Joffrey Baratheon, and was infamous for beheading Ned Stark and nearly killing Jaime Lannister in a duel.
The two Paynes never interacted much in the show or the books, but they did share some similarities. Both were quiet and loyal to their masters, and both had some skill with a sword. Podrick proved himself to be brave and resourceful in several battles, such as the Battle of Blackwater Bay, where he saved Tyrion’s life by killing Ser Mandon Moore, and the Battle of Winterfell, where he fought against the army of the dead. Ser Ilyn was also a formidable fighter, despite his lack of tongue and emotion. He was one of the few people who could match Jaime Lannister in combat, and he trained him after he lost his hand.
The Origin of House Payne
House Payne is a minor noble house from the Westerlands, sworn to House Lannister. Their sigil is a purple and white chequy with gold coins in four quarters. Their words are unknown.
According to a semi-canon source, House Payne descends from a bastard son of King Aegon IV Targaryen and Jeyne Lothston, who was legitimized by his father on his deathbed along with his other bastards. This makes them distant relatives of House Blackfyre, another bastard branch of House Targaryen that rebelled against the Iron Throne several times.
However, this origin is not confirmed in the books or the show, and it is possible that House Payne has a different ancestry. In any case, they are not a very influential or wealthy house, and they have few members left by the end of the series.
The Fate of Podrick and Ilyn
Podrick Payne survived the events of Game of Thrones and became a knight of King Bran the Broken’s Kingsguard. He was one of the few characters who had a happy ending in the series. He remained faithful to Tyrion Lannister until the end, and also formed a close bond with Brienne of Tarth, who knighted him before the Battle of Winterfell. He also showed his musical talent by singing “Jenny of Oldstones”, a song about a tragic love story between a Targaryen prince and a peasant woman.
Ser Ilyn Payne’s fate is unknown in the show, as he was last seen in season four. In the books, he is still alive and accompanies Jaime Lannister on his mission to end the siege of Riverrun. He also reveals to Jaime that he knows about his incestuous relationship with Cersei Lannister, but he keeps it secret out of loyalty.
Conclusion
Podrick Payne and Ser Ilyn Payne are two characters from Game of Thrones who share a distant blood relation and a surname, but have very different personalities and roles in the story. Podrick is a kind-hearted and loyal squire who becomes a knight and serves King Bran the Broken. Ser Ilyn is a ruthless and silent executioner who serves King Joffrey Baratheon. They both have some connection to House Targaryen through their possible descent from King Aegon IV Targaryen’s bastard son, but they are not very influential or powerful in the realm. They are examples of how fate and choice can shape the lives of people in a world of fire and ice.
